Position U: The top NCAA-to-NFL pipelines for everything from QB to DB 2p3b1w

NCAA programs take great pride in their track record of producing NFL talent, with some schools claiming to be the premier pipeline for specific positions. q5s2e

Let's investigate which schools have the best track record for every offensive and defensive position group over the last decade. For this exercise, we considered NFL production, draft pick quality, and the number of draft picks.

Quarterback 2m2y64

🥇 Oklahoma 2i6b26

Jalen Hurts, Baker Mayfield, and Kyler Murray propel Oklahoma to the top spot and title of QB U. Hurts hoisting the Lombardi Trophy this past season only helps the productive trio.

🥈 LSU 222x6u

It wouldn't be shocking if Jayden Daniels and potentially current Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier elevate LSU to a gold finish alongside Joe Burrow in a few years.

🥉 Ohio State 4e6a3i

The Buckeyes have produced three first-round signal-callers, but C.J. Stroud is the only one who's enjoyed true success at the NFL level.

Honorable mentions: Oregon, Clemson, Alabama, USC

Running back 4b2j1b

🥇 Alabama 2c485d

With all due respect to the other programs, no one was coming close to the Crimson Tide. There's no questioning Alabama as the modern RB U with three first-round picks, Derrick Henry taken in the second, and another three tailbacks drafted in the third.

🥈 Georgia 6j4l4x

The 2016 draft is the cutoff, so we're excluding Todd Gurley. But the Bulldogs still put up a good showing, with four runners selected from the top two rounds.

🥉 Ohio State 4e6a3i

Ohio State gets its second bronze medal with five backs selected in the first three rounds. Ezekiel Elliott's prime goes a long way in fending off Bijan Robinson and Co. from Texas.

Honorable mentions: Texas, LSU, North Carolina

Wide receiver 6o1nr

🥇 LSU 2a2q4i

Was there ever any doubt that LSU is WR U despite only having four first-round receivers? The Tigers' top picks have become faces of the NFL, with Ja'Marr Chase (2024) and Justin Jefferson (2022) leading the league in receiving yards in recent years.

🥈 Ohio State 4s293f

Ohio State earns its first silver thanks to five first-rounders, three second-round picks, and a pair of third-round selections. The position remains in good hands, with sophomore Jeremiah Smith leading the way.

🥉 Alabama 4i2l67

The Crimson Tide have produced an exceptional six first-round wideouts since 2016, but after factoring in NFL production, that's still not enough to get WR U recognition.

Honorable mentions: USC, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Clemson, Florida, Washington, TCU

Tight end 1r4u3n

🥇 Iowa 412g5z

George Kittle's fifth-round status is arguably the best value in this entire exercise. Iowa has multiple other Pro Bowlers and high picks, so it's an easy lock for TE U.

🥈 Georgia 6j4l4x

Georgia's silver showcases the relative lack of contenders for modern TE U. Brock Bowers does a lot for the Bulldogs after establishing himself as one of the league's top weapons during his rookie season.

🥉 Penn State 1d750

Few schools have produced first-round tight ends over the last decade, but the Nittany Lions ed the group after the Colts drafted Tyler Warren in 2025.

Honorable mentions: Miami, Notre Dame

Offensive line 169

🥇 Notre Dame 2s1d5r

Notre Dame doesn't have the volume of its SEC competition. However, the Fighting Irish's stunning NFL prowess is enough to earn the OL U title.

🥈 Alabama 5j2q3

Alabama has some misses among its offensive line, but the hits and impressive volume lead the Crimson Tide to a silver.

🥉 Georgia 2j3t3g

While Georgia is known for its defense, the program has also established a strong NFL offensive lineman pipeline.

Honorable mentions: Ohio State, LSU, Oklahoma, Michigan

Linebacker 61585c

🥇 Georgia 4c5nf

Georgia captures LB U after producing 10 linebackers in the first three rounds over the last decade. Roquan Smith, a three-time first-team All-Pro, is the most impressive of the bunch.

🥈 Alabama 5j2q3

Silver is a good spot to rank with a good number of early picks and solid NFL production as Alabama garners another podium finish.

🥉 LSU 2f596x

LSU scores another medal thanks to an athletic group of linebackers who have earned NFL roles after strong draft showings.

Honorable mentions: Wisconsin, Michigan, Penn State

Defensive line b6t5q

🥇 Michigan 383r4v

Michigan's seven first-round defensive ends and tackles are unmatched and earn the program DL U bragging rights. The former Wolverines include a mix of stars, established starters, and young players who are likely to challenge for recognition in the future.

🥈 Clemson 1c54y

Dabo Swinney and Co. have made it a habit of producing NFL players along the defensive line. Clemson picks up its lone placement with six first-rounders and a healthy number of depth picks.

🥉 Georgia 2j3t3g

The Bulldogs' final medal is powered by a stellar group of defensive tackles, highlighted by Jalen Carter. With a steady pipeline of young talent, Georgia is well-positioned to stay in contention for DL U for years to come.

Honorable mentions: Ohio State, Alabama, Florida State

Defensive back 604c54

🥇 Alabama 2c485d

Alabama adds DB U to its earlier RB U title to become the only winner of two golds. The Crimson Tide's strong second-rounders come out on top of Ohio State's more plentiful but less prolific first-rounders.

🥈 Ohio State 4s293f

Despite its plethora of early picks, Ohio State narrowly missed out on the DB U title. However, the Buckeyes still took home another silver with their solid group.

🥉 LSU 2f596x

Derek Stingley is the crown jewel of the Tigers' modern defensive back selections, but there are plenty of NFL starters and contributors throughout LSU's draft picks.

Honorable mentions: Georgia, Florida, Washington, Florida State